Responsive image

Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri Least Concern

Saddled Bichir

Stats

Family

Polypteridae

Genus

Polypterus

Size

76.00 cm

The body is long and about as deep as it is wide

Temperament

Aggressive, Semi-aggressive

Polypterus Endlicheri are very peaceful among other fish of similar size, however they will be highly aggressive and even eat any type of fish they can fit in their mouths(including canablism).

Diet

Insectivore, Piscivore

Tank Size

681.00 L

183.00 cm x 61.00 cm

Temperature

22.0 C - 28.0 C

Parameters

pH 6-8

Level

Bottom

Other Information

Breeding

Spawning Method

Egg-scatterer

The male specimen will fertilize the eggs within it's anal and caudal fins before scattering the eggs on plants or other surfaces

Spawn Size

100 fry

Breeding Season or Trigger

Male Bichir contort their anal fin into a bowl shape often referred to as "Cupping" when they are ready to breed

Fry Care

Bichir spawn sizes can be anywhere from 50 to 300 eggs at a time but not all eggs will fully mature. Spawning mops are useful to collect bichir eggs. Bichir fry should be collected and kept separate in their own tank with a constant food source of live microworms or black worms. Water parameters must be as clean as possible for a lower mortality rate and methylene blue may be added to the water with eggs to prevent fungus from killing the eggs.

Locations

Photos

1 / 1
An adult Polypterus Endlicheri swimming in a planted tank. Image Credit: Fathom Aquatics (Youtube)

...